What AMERICANS need to know to benefit from an EMERGING ASIA
It is one of the richest and most economically successful countries in Asia. South Korea is one of the top ten exporters in the world and is still among the world's fastest growing developed countries. In less than a decade it is expected to surpass Germany, UK and France in per person GDP. South Korea's success story is known as the "Miracle on the Han River" and is a role model for many developing countries. It boasts a unique culture and people. South Korea is well worth a visit.
Location of South Korea
LOCATION: The Southern half of the Korean Peninsula in the East China sea between China and Japan.
SIZE: 38,492 square miles
POPULATION: About 50 million people. More than 10 million live in Seoul making it one of the world's most populated cities.
PEOPLE: 98% are ethnic Koreans. There is a strong focus on education. South Korea has the world's highest estimated national IQ. It is ranked first in mathematics, science, problem solving and reading. There are also 31 thousand US military personel living in South Korea.
GOVERNMENT: Similar to the United States with a three branch system (executive, judicial, legislative) with checks and balances.
CURRENCY: South Korean Won
LANGUAGE: Korean
Flag of South Korea
ECONOMY: South Korea is the 3rd largest economy in Asia behind Japan and China. It is also the 13th largest economy in the world. South Korea is a world leader in science and technology. It has the world's most advanced IT infrastructure and is the world's most wired nation. It is the only country with nationwide DMB, WiBro and 100Mbit/s Broadband. South Korea is also on the cutting edge in electronics, semiconductors, computers, cell phones, biotechnology and robotics.
TRAVEL: Seoul is a massive city with all the sites you would expect from a major metropolis. It also boasts a number of beautifully preserved temples and palaces. South Korea also has stunning natural beauty. A visit to the mountains is recommended.
VISA: No visa required for Americans for stays up to 30 days.
GETTING THERE: Direct flights from the United States are provided by United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Singapore Airlines.
NORTH KOREA
This section is going to be very short. North Korea is a closed communist country run by a dictator named Kim Jong-il. It is very difficult for Americans to travel there or have any contact with the country of any kind. It's possible to book an organized government sanctioned tour but it will be very expensive and why? There isn't much to see and there's absolutely no chance of meaningful interaction between Americans and North Koreans. Unless you have a humanitarian agenda or are very curious there is little reason to go. Amnesty International says North Korea has one of the worst human rights records on Earth. They are an economically closed country and there are many reports of starvation. This is quite a contrast to rapidly developing South Korea. That's a great place to go.
Location of North Korea
Flag of North Korea
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Thanks! Kent Ninomiya, Managing Editor EmergingDragon.com
